The Weather Stone
Click The Stone for Current Weather & Forecasts
Tuesday, Oct 20.
The forecast is nasty, so we'll call it off now! We'll be on a day-by-day basis for the rest of the "Fall," while we turn our focus to organizing for the first session of Domeball 2020.
Let's Play Domeball
We have received word that the Holy Angels Stardome will be open for softball this winter! The first of three planned sessions will begin on Tuesday, November 10th and end on Thursday, December 17th. We will not be hosting any tournaments or events, such as our annual holiday party this year. For players new to domeball, Here are directions to the dome, and Here is information about how we manage the season.
Registration is now underway, and we need to have everyone signed up by November 3rd. Registration Forms and Liability Waivers are available Here. If you've already signed a waiver, we don't need another. Please mail your registration and waiver to Ron Wenaas, so that your contact, payment and waiver information can be tracked in our league records.
Please note: If our season is shortened because of changing pandemic conditions, we will provide pro-rated refunds.
Our COVID protocol will be the same as Summer ball. The entire West Metro COVID-19 Protocol is available on the league website at: http://www.mnseniorsoftball.com/2020-covid-19-rules.html
Here are some important notes and additions, needed because we will be playing indoors.
· Masks will again be required at all times. We will be monitoring to ensure that this is followed even more closely than it was during the summer/fall season.
· We will have separate dugout/bench areas for both teams.
· Arriving players must stay away from the bench areas.
· Base-running and other specific Domeball rules will be published before the season opens.
We'll post N.D. Scores & Standings here, every Game Day.
but first (or last)- the end of the saga of
The (North) Woods Shed
by Pat Thompson
Thursday, October 8, 2020 marks the end of our scheduled games for Summer/Fall 2020.
We'll have announcements very soon about our approaching Domeball Season at Holy Angels!
We are anticipating a Domeball opener sometime around Tuesday, November 10th.
For now, keep your GPS set to take you to Round Lake Park for at least a few more balmy fall Tuesdays & Thursdays!
We'll have announcements very soon about our approaching Domeball Season at Holy Angels!
We are anticipating a Domeball opener sometime around Tuesday, November 10th.
For now, keep your GPS set to take you to Round Lake Park for at least a few more balmy fall Tuesdays & Thursdays!
Breaking News! (Well, slightly old news now, but still cute...)
West Metro's Jim Nielsen and his COVID story were featured 7/24 on WCCO TV Sports!
Head here to watch the story...
Head here to watch the story...
Please check-out these important links
National Division Rules
Northwoods Division Rules
2020 West Metro COVID-19 Plan
We'll see you at the ballpark!
National Division Rules
Northwoods Division Rules
2020 West Metro COVID-19 Plan
We'll see you at the ballpark!
Game Day Reminders
The Weather Stone - TEXT ALERTS HAVE RETURNED!
To get weather alerts to you quickly and conveniently, the weather stone will be back in use on the league website and the West Metro Facebook page. Whenever the fields may be unplayable or the weather unbearable, we’ll try to have alerts posted and sent via email, Text Message, Facebook and the WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alert systems by 7:45 a.m. If it’s an “Iffy” day, the weather stone will appear at the top of the league homepage, everyone in the league will receive an email alert and, if you sign up to receive them, Text, “WhatsApp” or “Facebook Messenger” alerts. To get those alerts, just check the “WhatsApp” or “Facebook Messenger” box on the registration form – we’ll add you to the lists. If you haven't signed up yet, just Click HERE.
Note: If you choose to receive WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alerts, you’ll need the correct app on your mobile phone. Instructions are on the sign-up page.
We'll be at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. Maps and directions are available on our website: http://www.mnseniorsoftball.com/field-locations.html
Set-up will begin at 9 a.m. - Please plan to arrive as close to 9 as possible to help setup and get checked in.
- Everyone at the park needs to have signed a liability waiver (including spectators- adults will sign waivers for any children attending)
- Everybody entering the park must have their temperature checked. Nobody with a temp over 100 degrees F will be admitted.
- Especially the first few days, while we see how this all works out, we're discouraging spectators at the park! Thanks for keeping the complications underwhelming.
Batting Practice starts at 9:30 a.m.
Game One will start at 10:00 a.m.
We will have Liability Waivers and Registration forms at the park.
Other Game-Day Notes:
Please bring the following to the ballpark every day.
The Weather Stone - TEXT ALERTS HAVE RETURNED!
To get weather alerts to you quickly and conveniently, the weather stone will be back in use on the league website and the West Metro Facebook page. Whenever the fields may be unplayable or the weather unbearable, we’ll try to have alerts posted and sent via email, Text Message, Facebook and the WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alert systems by 7:45 a.m. If it’s an “Iffy” day, the weather stone will appear at the top of the league homepage, everyone in the league will receive an email alert and, if you sign up to receive them, Text, “WhatsApp” or “Facebook Messenger” alerts. To get those alerts, just check the “WhatsApp” or “Facebook Messenger” box on the registration form – we’ll add you to the lists. If you haven't signed up yet, just Click HERE.
Note: If you choose to receive WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alerts, you’ll need the correct app on your mobile phone. Instructions are on the sign-up page.
We'll be at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. Maps and directions are available on our website: http://www.mnseniorsoftball.com/field-locations.html
Set-up will begin at 9 a.m. - Please plan to arrive as close to 9 as possible to help setup and get checked in.
- Everyone at the park needs to have signed a liability waiver (including spectators- adults will sign waivers for any children attending)
- Everybody entering the park must have their temperature checked. Nobody with a temp over 100 degrees F will be admitted.
- Especially the first few days, while we see how this all works out, we're discouraging spectators at the park! Thanks for keeping the complications underwhelming.
Batting Practice starts at 9:30 a.m.
Game One will start at 10:00 a.m.
We will have Liability Waivers and Registration forms at the park.
Other Game-Day Notes:
Please bring the following to the ballpark every day.
- A facemask or face gaiter
- You own supply of water. The water fountain will not be in operation!
- Hand Sanitizer – We will provide a bottle for each field and at the outhouse area, but it’ll probably be more convenient to have your own in your bag!
- A folding chair – LABELED with your name.
- Bring your own hat to the park until the new ones are delivered.
- Any refreshments you may wish to have post-game. The pavilion will be available, with distancing of at least 6 feet required. There will NOT be any beverages for sale at the park!
- Please enter the fields via the Pavilion.
- We will check everyone’s temperature with a no-touch thermometer
- Nobody with a temp above 100 degrees will be admitted
- If you haven’t signed a Liability Waiver, be sure to ask for one at the Pavilion
- If you’re a new player, be sure to say hi to Doc Hartshorn, John Hovde or Bruce Torgerson. They’ll get you introduced around and go over our rules.
- If you, or anyone in your family or other regular contacts have any flu-like symptoms or a COVID-19 diagnosis in the past two weeks, please be considerate of everyone and don’t come to the ballpark.
- If you get ill between game days, please let any of the board members know as soon as possible.
Previously Announced:
We are happy to announce that the City of Eden Prairie has reopened their ballparks and that the board has decided conditions in Minnesota have improved enough to allow us to finally jump into our 30th season of West Metro Senior Softball! We will return to Eden Prairie’s Round Lake Park fields for a shortened summer season, running from July 14th to late August, followed by our Fall Ball season from September until the first week of November.
The park is located at 16691 Valley View Road in Eden Prairie. A map to the ballpark is available Here.
Our previously published COVID-19 safety plan has been approved by the City of Eden Prairie and we will adhere to it strictly. We’ve reconsidered one requirement and will now allow outfielders (only) to “unmask” while in the outfield. Everyone at the park will be expected to wear masks at all other times. We’re attaching the complete plan to this email and will have it available at the park for review as well.
Also attached is our 2020 West Metro Waiver of Liability. Please sign, date and return this form with your registration.
League Caps and Equipment
Part of West Metro’s charm is our league hats, with your chosen name or nickname boldly letting everyone know a name you’d like to be called! Everybody will get a new hat this season, in glamorous new colors, so be sure to let us know the name or nickname you’d like on yours! They’ll be available a couple weeks after the beginning of the summer season.
Because of issues with sanitation, we will not be able to provide batting helmets as we did last season. The 8 helmets owned by the league are available on-loan for the season on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests for the helmets can be noted on the registration forms, or by contacting Ron Wenaas at 612.418.7077 or ron.wenaas@gmail.com. If all the helmets are spoken for, we encourage you to purchase your own. (Not required, but strongly recommended) We encourage all players to provide their own bats, although we will have our league bats at the park, along with sanitizing cleaner.
Registration Form is available Here.
The Liability Waiver is available Here.
The League COVID-19 Safety Plan is available Here.
We are happy to announce that the City of Eden Prairie has reopened their ballparks and that the board has decided conditions in Minnesota have improved enough to allow us to finally jump into our 30th season of West Metro Senior Softball! We will return to Eden Prairie’s Round Lake Park fields for a shortened summer season, running from July 14th to late August, followed by our Fall Ball season from September until the first week of November.
The park is located at 16691 Valley View Road in Eden Prairie. A map to the ballpark is available Here.
Our previously published COVID-19 safety plan has been approved by the City of Eden Prairie and we will adhere to it strictly. We’ve reconsidered one requirement and will now allow outfielders (only) to “unmask” while in the outfield. Everyone at the park will be expected to wear masks at all other times. We’re attaching the complete plan to this email and will have it available at the park for review as well.
Also attached is our 2020 West Metro Waiver of Liability. Please sign, date and return this form with your registration.
League Caps and Equipment
Part of West Metro’s charm is our league hats, with your chosen name or nickname boldly letting everyone know a name you’d like to be called! Everybody will get a new hat this season, in glamorous new colors, so be sure to let us know the name or nickname you’d like on yours! They’ll be available a couple weeks after the beginning of the summer season.
Because of issues with sanitation, we will not be able to provide batting helmets as we did last season. The 8 helmets owned by the league are available on-loan for the season on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests for the helmets can be noted on the registration forms, or by contacting Ron Wenaas at 612.418.7077 or ron.wenaas@gmail.com. If all the helmets are spoken for, we encourage you to purchase your own. (Not required, but strongly recommended) We encourage all players to provide their own bats, although we will have our league bats at the park, along with sanitizing cleaner.
Registration Form is available Here.
The Liability Waiver is available Here.
The League COVID-19 Safety Plan is available Here.
Jim Nielsen, Covid-19 Survivor
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, after four of the most miserable days of his life, our own Jim Nielsen was diagnosed with Covid-19. According to Jim, he doesn't know for sure how he got it, but it's the sickest he's ever been. Despite his personal suffering, which has been intense, he rallied yesterday (one of his "good days") to send this message, because he doesn't want another senior softball player (or anyone, for that matter) to go through what he's been through. His advice: Take this virus VERY seriously. Wear a mask. Be safe. You can hear Jim in his own words in this FaceTime video, recorded June 24 from Jim's basement.
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Special Offer from the UM Department of Physical Therapy!
Thanks to John Remington of the Roseville Senior league for the initial information and to John Hovde for checking the process out, we're happy to forward this to everyone in our league. This is a limited time offer, so act fast if you're interested!
The University of Minnesota, Division of Physical Therapy students and faculty are offering free online, video based physical therapy visits, commonly referred to as "telePT".
Online visits will be conducted through secure, online video conferencing software. Each visit will be conducted by a student physical therapist and supervised by a licensed physical therapist who is a University of Minnesota Division of Physical Therapy faculty member.
Individuals will be given a video based examination, and provided with recommendations to address their reasons for seeking physical therapy services.
Interested individuals should click on this link to review a consent form to receive online physical therapy services.
The University of Minnesota, Division of Physical Therapy students and faculty are offering free online, video based physical therapy visits, commonly referred to as "telePT".
Online visits will be conducted through secure, online video conferencing software. Each visit will be conducted by a student physical therapist and supervised by a licensed physical therapist who is a University of Minnesota Division of Physical Therapy faculty member.
Individuals will be given a video based examination, and provided with recommendations to address their reasons for seeking physical therapy services.
Interested individuals should click on this link to review a consent form to receive online physical therapy services.
A Gift from Mike
Mike Marrinan attended a softball training session and wants to share what he learned! Here's a note, followed by a YouTube link that could help us all become better hitters! Thanks, Mike!
"I was invited to a Senior Softball Hitting Clinic hosted by Alan Tanner in Florida.
Alan is an elite Major plus softball player and a great ambassador of our game.
He posted this Video back in December of 2018. It's about an hour long.
I learned a lot and it is a lot to absorb. My hope is that anyone that watches this video can pick up something that makes them a better player."
- Mike Marrinan
Click here or on the Photo to see the video!
"I was invited to a Senior Softball Hitting Clinic hosted by Alan Tanner in Florida.
Alan is an elite Major plus softball player and a great ambassador of our game.
He posted this Video back in December of 2018. It's about an hour long.
I learned a lot and it is a lot to absorb. My hope is that anyone that watches this video can pick up something that makes them a better player."
- Mike Marrinan
Click here or on the Photo to see the video!
Looking for Bats or other Softball gear? We have several sources in the league! Support your local entrepreneurs...
Check them Out!
Check them Out!
Welcome!
Are you over 50 and looking to play some ball? Check out this video.
Got info you'd like to share with the league? Why not send a note to the webmaster?
Important Links
Northwoods Division Summer Rules are Here...
National Division Summer Rules are Here...
Manager's Resources & Notes are Here
Did You Just Find Us? Or Forget to Sign-up? You Can Register and Join the League Anytime
General Summer Registration Information is available here
Want to know how we Operate? Go here!
The Registration Form is right here!
Our Liability Waiver is here. (required before participating...also available at the park.)
Northwoods Division Summer Rules are Here...
National Division Summer Rules are Here...
Manager's Resources & Notes are Here
Did You Just Find Us? Or Forget to Sign-up? You Can Register and Join the League Anytime
General Summer Registration Information is available here
Want to know how we Operate? Go here!
The Registration Form is right here!
Our Liability Waiver is here. (required before participating...also available at the park.)
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Double your pleasure with two slow motion videos! |
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Recorded at the Stardome on Jan. 17, 2019. Shot and edited by Gary Bingner of Quasimodo Advertising and Hold Tight Video.
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Shot Dec. 20, 2018 at the Stardome.
High-speed softball action, slowed down for your viewing pleasure. |
A music video for all you winners out there. |
Talkin' Senior Softball, Dec. 2017. |
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Get the New Year off to a winning start with this music video shot at the Holy Angels Dome in Richfield. (Music: Game Winner by Vulfpeck)
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At our end-of-year VFW lunch, we chatted with a few enthusiastic players about what they love about West Metro Senior Softball.
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